This collection with displays of
over 800 dolls from many periods; costume, foreign, ‘Sasha’ and
black dolls will bring back childhood memories.
This unique doll collection-was
started by Mrs. Mollie Hardwick in her Dunster cottage in 1957, and was
given to the Memorial Hall Committee on her death in 1970 so that her
doll "family" could
stay together and become the village museum that she had hoped to create.
Failing health had prevented Mrs. Hardwick from getting
about or travelling abroad, so the world and its dolls came to her as
relatives and friends collected them on their travels. Then as her collection
became known she received many unexpected gifts - a tradition that continues
today.
Awaiting photo
In spite of a burglary in 1990, when 32 of the older dolls
were stolen (they have never been recovered), there are many old and
interesting dolls to be seen, which come from many different periods,
and many are in their original clothes.
Old dolls can be compared with
those from the second half of the 20th century to provide a fascinating
contrast. There are Artists' and Fashion Dolls and a unique collection
of 20 "Sasha" Dolls
in 1913 period dress, and the Bristol Red Cross Dolls.
A prominent feature of the collection is the wide range
of ethnic dolls illustrating the costumes of many lands and cultures.
Dolls that will remind visitors of their childhood and nursery rhyme
characters familiar to all children are also there. Novelties, such as
tea cosy and dressing table dolls, advertising figures and dolls made
from many unusual materials can be seen.
The changing displays each year will bring back memories for everyone.
Add to this a collection of baby gowns and christening robes; the Dolls'
House; a model Garden; dolls crockery and furniture, and visitors can
be sure of an interesting time.
Since its opening in 1971 the collection has grown to
over 1,300 dolls with about 700 on display each year. It has been cared
for by local volunteers who have devoted time and effort keeping this
remarkable collection open for visitors to enjoy.
01643
821220 |
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